As if that wasn’t enough, I’ve received some amazing feedback from a family friend, so I wanted to share it:

“I finished your book last night. Very impressive! I can see why you say it was in your mind for years. I came away from it glad that honor, love, and the true meaning of home are achieved…

“I think it possible you already have a sequel centered around Arden. She feels the call. The sad part of the novel is a life lesson about keepers. Even the mighty trees have a spirit that needs a keeper. I had not really thought about that. Humans, animals, yes, there is always one striving for more territory and power.

“We humans say we want peace. Your first novel is not so reassuring we can truly find it outside our own limited personal space.

I am proud of you for achieving this goal. And I am proud of you for building a true home with [Wife] and [Nugget].”

That’s just incredible and basically made my day. This family friend is a very intelligent and insightful woman, so I’m thrilled she was able to pull so much from my book. Thank you!

“Enfield”

Paving stone sidewalks

lead to an unknown town, but

still familiar.

Guess who’s in England! We arrived yesterday afternoon to attend my friend’s wedding tomorrow. This will be a reunion of several of my grad school friends, so it’s only fitting that the smaller town we’re staying in reminds me of Exeter.